COVID-19 is primarily known for its effects on the respiratory system, but its consequences go far beyond that. A recent study, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health and conducted at the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), revealed molecular changes that may underlie the neurological symptoms exhibited by some patients affected by the disease, highlighting the importance of better understanding these still poorly known potential consequences of COVID-19.

Experiments with mice at the University of São Paulo used cutting-edge techniques to investigate the neural circuits behind aversive behavior and fear memory. The findings are reported in Current Biology.

The protocol was designed at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar). Trained carers help patients take standard tests used by geriatricians and physical therapists, performing them in their own homes with remote assistance from health workers. The goal is to facilitate access to treatment for older people with dementia.

The analysis was conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP), showing that when the patients took the drug, the number of times they woke up during the night fell by 25% and the amount of time they remained awake fell 30% on average.

The device can be used to implement sharing systems in which any attempt at unauthorized access is immediately detected because it alters the quantum correlations.